Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Camry quietly debuted late in the 1983 model year, when Toyota replaced its old rear-wheel-drive Corona with the front-wheel-drive Camry, a car aimed specifically at the U.S. market. From these humble beginnings, the Camry would go on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the next quarter-century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability.

New or used, the Camry comes pretty highly recommended. As the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that matches your criteria should be pretty easy. It is worth noting that the family segment has improved greatly in more recent years. Many competing sedans have matched or outpaced the Camry in terms of quality and desirability, particularly in comparison to the sixth-generation model. The latest version of the Camry, however, has largely shored up the car's reputation as a go-to choice.

Current Toyota Camry
The five-passenger Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE, SE Sport and XLE trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the available (depending on trim) 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and sends power to the front wheels.

The Camry L's feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB interface. Stepping up to the LE gets you a few more features, while the SE spices things up with a sport-tuned suspension and sporty styling treatments. The SE Sport features bigger wheels, a sunroof and a power driver seat. The luxurious XLE reverts to a softer suspension and adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and leather upholstery (V6). A premium audio system with a larger touchscreen and upgraded navigation system can be added to XLE models.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry's standard equipment was revised. As such, the rearview camera became standard across the board, the upper trims picked up some enhanced audio features and the Entune name was expanded to cover all of the car's infotainment systems (not just the one with smartphone integration).

In reviews, we've praised this Toyota Camry's interior, which provides roomy seating, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

Overall, this Camry provides the comfort and the quiet and smooth ride that should please a wide swath of midsize sedan shoppers. Power and fuel economy are excellent with either engine as well. The only major downside is the car's handling, which isn't as lively or engaging as that of other top family sedans, such as the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima.

Used Toyota Camry Models
The latest (seventh) generation Toyota Camry debuted for 2012 and has a number of significant improvements over the previous one. The interior is significantly nicer than before, and the four-cylinder engine is more powerful. Yet the car is still unmistakably a Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience. Changes since have been minimal. For 2014, the SE Sport trim level joined the lineup, while halfway through that model year saw some minor equipment shuffling that included the rearview camera becoming standard across the board.

The previous sixth-generation Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. In reviews, we commented favorably about the Camry's spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient optional V6, plush ride quality and top crash test scores. Unlike older Camrys, though, this one was let down by disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish and uninspiring driving dynamics for non-SE models. It's a respectable choice for a used family sedan, but we thought more highly of competing models, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For most of its production run, the Camry was offered in LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The entry-level model was labeled as the CE trim, but only for the first year. Base and LE models came fairly well equipped, while the SE brought with it a sport-tuned suspension. The softer-sprung XLE included items such as a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery (V6). Most of the features on the higher-trimmed models were offered on supporting trims as options. Other major options included a sunroof and a navigation system.

This Camry was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with improvements made over the years. The initial base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque (slightly lower in California and other states). A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic was available, though four-cylinder XLEs were automatic only. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and was paired to a six-speed automatic only.

In 2010, the base engine was increased to 2.5 liters and power output was boosted to 169 hp. The SE was further pushed to 179 hp. Both manual and automatic transmissions were also upgraded to six speeds. Other 2010 changes included a restyled grille and taillights, and standard stability control, satellite radio and Bluetooth for all models.

Previous to this was the fifth-generation car that was produced from 2002-'06. As expected, it was a comfortable sedan that offered a roomy cabin, a choice of inline-4 or V6 power and, depending on trim level and optional equipment, most of the latest safety features such as stability control and side curtain airbags. However, prior to 2005, the base Camry did not come standard with antilock brakes. As with other Camrys, we generally found this generation to be very good in terms of room, comfort and feature content.

Three engines were available for this generation. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that made 154 hp (145 with PZEV emissions controls). It was mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (four-speed prior to '05) and should be powerful enough for the majority of buyers. A 3.0-liter V6 that generated 190 hp was also available (18 hp less prior to '04) on the LE and XLE trim levels, while a 210-hp, 3.3-liter V6 (introduced for 2004) was available on the SE model only. These six-cylinder Camrys came with the automatic only. In previous years, these power numbers were higher because of a change in measurement that occurred in 2006, although actual output never changed.

Like the more recent versions, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry sedan offered a quiet, stress-free driving experience. Many desirable modern features were also available, including side airbags and antilock brakes (which became standard on all trim levels except the base CE). It, too, was offered with four- and six-cylinder powertrains.

Although a Camry older than 1997 is likely to have quite a few miles on it, it is still something to consider for folks on a tight budget. Provided it has been faithfully maintained, a 1992-'96 Camry (which was available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles) should be able to spin its odometer to nearly 200,000 miles without major problems. It's this final trait, more than any other, that has kept the Toyota Camry popular with buyers over the last two decades.

User Reviews:

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  Tire alignment problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ken - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Camry 14 months ago and put almost every mile on it and really baby it. Since before 10,000 miles I started hearing tire noise. After having checked the tire dealer who said I had no warranty,Toyota ck and said the front end and rear alignment were out,I have never had to align a new car EVER.The tires are Bridgestone made for the Camry. This is my umpteenth new car, never have I ever had a problem, lucky me I guess. I traded a 09 corolla with a very similar problem.

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  My third Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By glomalker - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  In general I am pleased with my Camry. At 35k miles I have had no transmission problems that others mention, nor any other mechanical issues. My major complaint is the cheap rubber from the factory, the tires wore out long before normal expectation. I made the mistake of buying the tires for life warranty which is a joke; the tread is measured and will not be replaced until nearly bald way past most peoples safety level. I was also not pleased with the noise, my prior Camrys were much quieter. I have owned two Camrys prior and several Celicas & Corollas as well. I will continue to drive Toyotas.

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  Nice car with lots of power - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dick - February 13 - 4:50 pm

  I owned a 2003 Toyota Camry XLE V-6 which I really liked. This car exceeds the older model in many ways. The current engine is very powerful and peppy, much more so than the 2003 version. The steering has been tightened up. The car feels bigger. The Bluetooth is very useful and the sound system is good. Navigation system is ok. I am pleased with the stability control system and all the other bells and whistles. The finish seems quite good to me. I had one mechanical defect that became obvious after delivery and was fixed immediately by the dealer. The dealership gives excellent service. This is a good looking functional auto.

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  First New Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By RDM - February 13 - 2:50 pm

  We test drove the Fusion, Accord and Senata before deciding on the Camry. We had a used 93 Camry. The XLE w/3.0 is responsive and comfortable on the road - we picked it up on a Friday and went on a 600 mile trip that weekend. Avg 26 MPG - Love the Smart Key system - it does seam a bit noisy but not excessive.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid With 88,500 miles - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jmcneely - February 12 - 10:22 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned...ever! In warmer weather it delivers 45 mpg, in winter 41 mpg. Taken it back to the dealer for oil/filter changes since new; every 3K-5K miles. Drive 97 miles per day commuting to work, mostly highway. Water pump went out at 65K miles, the hybrid drive battery at 72K miles. Dealer ate the labor, I paid $200 for the pump. Toyota covered main hybrid battery completely. Have never changed the brakes. Plan to keep the car forever.

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  1998 Toyota Camry - A True Workhorse - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Tony Vee - February 12 - 6:39 am

  Bought this car used in 2005 with 54K, now has 155K and still going strong! Great dependability, low maintenance, paint still shines and is very roadworthy - I would not hesitate to drive this car cross country. Aside from routine maintenance, a new radiator, and upgraded stereo system, this car is bone stock. Drives as good as the day I bought it. Recently had to take a 1K mile round trip and this car handled like a champ. Over the summer we took a family vacation to the mountains, which tend to be hard on any transmission much less one that is 17 years old and again no issues. When I purchased this car 10 years ago, I wasnt in a position to buy a new car, which certainly isnt the case today. Regardless Im holding on to the most dependable car I have ever owned, my 1998 Camry. If one day I do give in and decide to buy another car, it will be another Camry!

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  Surpassed expectations. - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By PaulC - February 11 - 4:09 am

  Compared to the 2015-17 Camrys I found the seats of the 2018 noticably softer, better shaped, more comfortable. Engine pep of the 4 cyl around town felt about the same as the 2015-17’s and the 8 speed transmission of the 2018 is busier than the 6 speed in the 2015-17s, but the gaps between gears are so small that the driver barely notices the shifts, hence they are not particularly irritating. Road and tire noise at low - moderate speeds is similar to the 2015-17 models, but above 50 MPH the 2018 seems quieter plus there’s less body vibration in the 2018 which makes for a more peaceful and serene, lower fatigue highway driving experience. Steering feel and directional stability on the highway were good on the 2015-17 models, but are outstandingly good on the 2018, which is another factor that make the 2018’s more pleasant to drive. There were zero squeaks and rattles on the 2018 LE I drove - impressive for an all new design. Interior of the 2018 feels a little smaller, but space is still adequate. Entry and exit is a little harder on the 2018 due to the 1 inch lower roof and seat height. Overall I really liked the 2018 as it manages to simultaneously feel sportier and more nimble yet with improved ride and seat comfort and the highway ride in particular is noticably calmer, quieter and more serene than the 2015-17 4 cylinder.

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  Love my car! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Sold on Toyota - February 9 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 1996 Camry in 1999 with 19,000 miles one it. It now has over 250,000 miles on it, runs like a champ and still has a very pretty exterior. I still get compliments on it! We have done basic maintenance on it and a couple minor repairs over the years, but it is our most reliable car by far and I take it on errands (less than 2 miles) and long road trips with never a worry. I will buy nothing but a Toyota ever again. This car is awesome - seriously.

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  What a surprise! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By oswegolax31 - February 9 - 3:45 am

  The camry was the last car I was test driving and it was by mistake! I kept on looking at this car in the showroom and I couldnt believe it was a camry. I was never a fan of the Camry styling but the 2012 has a nice sleek look to the car. The car is muscular (I know for a camry), and the lines are clean. My favorite features are the quietness and the smoothness of the ride - unbelievable. After my test drive I was sold. I have looked at numerous models for Mazda, VW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Ford - the Camry has the smoothest and quietest ride. I have 1,000 miles on the car and I love it. Pure city driving is 21-24 mpg and highway is 34 mpg or better.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By olga - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Thats a very nice practical car, comfortable to drive and fuel efficient! Great car, very nice interior and exterior, good sound sistem.